Tottenham Raheem Sterling and Chelsea transfer hijack stance as deadline deals eyed

Tottenham have been linked with an interest in Raheem Sterling who is available on a free transfer

Tottenham Hotspur have ruled out pursuing Raheem Sterling despite his departure from Chelsea earlier this month leaving him available as a free agent.

The former England winger has been touted as a potential target for Spurs in recent days, with pundit Paul Merson advocating strongly for the move.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, he said: "They need players in. Thomas Frank and Tottenham have been unlucky with Solanke, Kulusevski and Maddison all out.

"I would bring Sterling in. I think it's a no-brainer on a free transfer. I really do.

"You don't want to start bringing every Tom, Dick and Harry in to try and stay up..

"They just need one or two players in and get their players fit."

Nevertheless, as reported by football.london, Spurs have no appetite for any arrangement that would bring Sterling to the club. The 31-year-old spent last campaign on loan with Arsenal, though the Gunners opted against making the switch permanent this summer.

Spurs have mere hours remaining to finalise any eleventh-hour business they believe could help salvage their campaign. TEAMTalk suggests that Tottenham are weighing up a late swoop for Chelsea centre-half Axel Disasi; though that appears somewhat wide of the mark.

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West Ham are also circling, with the defender reportedly undergoing a medical at the London Stadium. A transfer isn't fully concluded, with some uncertainty over the player's enthusiasm for the switch.

Questions have been raised regarding Spurs' alleged interest, with Sky reporting that the club aren't exploring the loan market for any additions between now and the deadline. Spurs boss Thomas Frank has made clear that he's eager to bring in players for a longer-term vision rather than 'stop gaps'.

"We are active, no doubt about that. If something happens, let's see," he commented following the 2-2 stalemate with Man City.

Thus far in the window, Spurs have sealed deals for midfielder Conor Gallagher and full-back Souza. The club have also attempted to secure Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson, but that move appears to have collapsed.